The levels of three specific proteins in the urine may help predict kidney injury and outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis, a study reports. The study, “Composite urinary biomarkers to predict pathological tubulointerstitial lesions in lupus nephritis,” was published in the journal Lupus. Kidney dysfunction affects up to…
Smoking was found to be associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) among black women, while moderate alcohol consumption significantly reduces the chances of developing the disease, a study reports. These findings are consistent with studies done in other…
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Exagen Diagnostics are collaborating on a study to assess the impact of the AVISE Lupus test, Exagen’s diagnostic test for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). “I have worked with CareFirst as a provider for a number of years and am excited to continue to work with CareFirst…
A type of immune cell found in the outer layer of the skin, called Langerhans cells, seem to be essential to protect the skin against photosensitivity in cutaneous and systemic forms of lupus. The study, “A protective Langerhans cell–keratinocyte axis that is dysfunctional in photosensitivity,” was published in…
Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial medication, can help normalize levels of an immune molecule that promotes inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, a study shows. The study, “Efficacy analysis of hydroxychloroquine therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a study on disease activity and immunological biomarkers,” was published in the journal Inflammopharmacology. Systemic lupus…
Virgin olive oil, especially its phenol components, showed anti-inflammatory properties in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in human immune cells, according to a new Spanish study. The findings suggest future use in SLE treatment. The research, “Virgin olive oil and its phenol fraction modulate monocyte/macrophage…
In China, mortality rates are higher among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than men, with infection being the leading cause of death, a study reports. According to the researchers, risk factors for poorer outcomes include older age at disease onset, infection, autoimmune anemia, low platelet levels, and pulmonary…
At the time of diagnosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients already show signs of heart impairment, even before any symptoms of chest discomfort, a new imaging study shows. The findings indicate that more lupus patients could receive timely cardiac treatment, according to the researchers from China. The study, “…
Interferon-kappa (IFN-κ), an immune response regulator, is a key mediator of skin lesions and UV light sensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus patients, a study reports. Its researchers suggest that blocking IFN-κ with a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may be beneficial. The study, “Photosensitivity and type…
Patients participating in Phase 3 clinical trials testing new therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are not necessarily representative of real-world patient populations, according to a new report. Even if the therapies being investigated reach the market, real-world experiences may differ significantly from trial results because many lupus patients…